Concerning the debate, I did not come out impressed with Senator Obama's performance. Obama did not bomb the debate, but he did not answer the questions offered by Tom Brokaw.
As a side note, the debate format is an absolute fraud and insult to the American people. Those undecided voters submitted real questions, but Brokaw retained discretion to choose any topic he wanted. That is not voters being able to connect with the candidates (which they cannot), that is moderator screening of questions. Americans want to be able to connect with the candidates, but everyday more people become disenchanted with the system. We cannot trust the economy (hence the $700 Billion dollar bailout resulting in 500+ points losses in the stock market) nor our leaders (see voter turnout in the polls every year).
Back to the question at hand, Obama went on tangents about topics unrelated to the questions creating an air that he is not answering them. McCain provided the traditional McCain/Palin beating a dead horse lines, but did not engage in the mudslinging I would have expected. Defensive Obama appears to be the nature of the evening combined with his "cool" approach did not evoke the same feelings Obama inspired in the first debate (which I felt he won). McCain's offensive nature coupled with the format favoring McCain (slow, tightly regulated, somewhat boring) offered advantages but nothing can offset the Republicans relationship with the economy. McCain's performance should grant republicans comfort and give them little fuel on Obama's dodging the questions but until the mindset shifts from the economic woes to something else, Obama will still keep a firm lead.
No noticeable sound bites from either candidate to feed the media. I'd like to see a tad bit more passion out of Obama before the next debate: some people find his "cool" approach relaxing while others may view it as disconnected. Either way I will be on top of the election and all other current events. Hope to see the comments roll in!
Allen L. Linton II
